Trekking Mt. Sembrano

Brgy Malaya, Pililla, Rizal Province

20 October 2012

We left Manila at three o-clock in the morning. We were bound for the province of Rizal for a day hike at Mt. Sembrano.

Mt. Sembrano is located between the provinces of Rizal and Laguna. It is situated about 60 kilometres east by road from Manila. Mt. Sembrano lies between the boundaries of the towns of Jalajala and Pililla in Rizal province and the town of Pakil in Laguna. The mountain sits at the helm of Jalajala peninsula along the shore of Laguna de Bay and is surrounded by the lake on three sides. Along with Talim Island, the mountain forms the southeastern rim of the Laguna Caldera. Wikipedia.

We reached the Municipal Hall of Brgy. Malaya in Pililla Rizal at 0600H to register. The office was still closed at that time.

Covered Trail

We started trekking at 0640H. The trail is well established. The first part of the trail is covered with trees and there are several short steep ascend with loose rocks. We had time so everyone was on a relaxed pace.

Steep Trail

According to our guides, Mt. Sembrano has an elevation of 750+ MASL and one of the several popular hiking destinations near Manila.

Rocky Trail

At 0848H, the trail gets exposed and the green forest gave way to the green grassland. The commanding view of the green landscape appeared. At a gradual steep ascend to the summit, we enjoyed the trail and the lush green Cogon grasses at both sides of the trail. 

Exposed Trail and Green Grassland

At 0921H, we had to stop for a quick rest and to enjoy the view. At 0945H, we resumed our trek on a relaxed pace towards the summit. 

Relaxing

Having Fun

At 1010H, we were at the summit. The summit provides a nice view of Laguna de Bay, Talim Island, and the provinces of Rizal and Laguna. Mt. Susong Dalaga (Maiden's breast Mountain), a conical hill resembling the female breast which is the highest peak of neighboring Talim Island, can also be seen from Mt. Sembrano summit. Other mountains visible from the summit are Mt. Banahaw, Mt. Makiling and the Sierra Madre Mountains.

Surrounding View at the Summit

Summit

According to Wikipedia and the locals, Mt. Sembrano is considered sacred by some people and known for the legend of the miraculous discovery of the icon of Our Lady of Maulawin. One farmer was gathering firewood in the forest on the Jalajala side of the mountain when he heard the voice of a woman while cutting a tree. Inside, he found a simulacrum of Mother Mary imprinted on the trunk. The icon is now enshrined at the Catholic church of Santa Cruz in Laguna. A small chapel is placed on the site where the image was discovered.

Snacks

We had a break at 1030H and stayed at the summit for a while. We started our descent to the jump-off point at 1100H.

Lunch at Jumo-off Point

We were back at the jump-off point at 1430H and had a nice lunch.

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